The Star-News

Former aide admits molesting teen

Sat, Jul 21 2012 12:00 PM Posted By: Neal Putnam

A 70-year-old man pleaded guilty July 12 to three felony counts of molesting a 15-year-old Chula Vista boy. The prosecutor said probation is ruled out.

Robert Buechner of Ramona will be sentenced Sept. 19 by Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Kathleen Lewis. The maximum sentence is four years and four months, according to Deputy District Attorney Karra Reedy.Buechner, who is a former teacher’s aide, met the Chula Vista teenager through a member of the victim’s family, said Reedy.

A message was left for Buechner’s attorney, Ryan Tegnelia, but he couldn’t be reached for comment. Tegnelia said in March his client had no previous accusations in his 30 years in education.

Buechner had been working at Ramona High School until Chula Vista Police officers questioned him in March about the allegations. He lost his job after his arrest. He remains free on $250,000 bond.

The guilty pleas mean the boy will not have to testify, said Reedy. A July 24 preliminary hearing was canceled. The judge isn’t bound by the maximum sentence and she could impose a lower term such as 16 months.

He will have to register as a sex offender with a law enforcement agency wherever he lives following his parole, the prosecutor said. Buechner is married and has adult children.